Hamas Continues Regular Consultations with Russia on Palestinian Settlement

The Palestinian movement Hamas regularly consults with Russia on the Palestinian settlement process and the broader situation in the region, according to Musa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau. “Meetings between Hamas and the Russian Foreign Ministry take place on a regular basis. We travel to Moscow regularly, and during these visits we discuss all political aspects related to the Palestinian issue and the overall situation in the region,” he told RIA Novosti in remarks published on Wednesday. A Hamas delegation previously visited Moscow for talks, including discussions on the implementation of a Gaza settlement plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Last week, a meeting took place between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko and Abu Marzouk, where the parties addressed the need to ensure a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In mid-November, the UN Security Council approved a US-sponsored resolution supporting Trump’s comprehensive plan for resolving the situation in Gaza. Thirteen of the 15 council members voted in favour, while Russia and China abstained. The US plan for Gaza proposes the establishment of an interim international administration in the territory and the creation of a peace council led by Trump, as well as the deployment of an international stabilisation force.